Fish En Papillote

Makes 6 servings

The long-famous Antoine’s restaurant in New Orleans is credited with inventing Pompano en Papillote, created in honor of a celebrated balloonist who was visiting the city. The parchment paper used in the dish was intended to represent a balloon, but it

6 filets of any fresh fish available in your area, such as pompano, tilapia, grouper, sole

Parchment paper (available in kitchenware shops and some supermarkets)

how to prepare

Combine the first two ingredients in a small bowl to make the Seasoning Mix. Makes 5 tablespoons plus 2¼ teaspoons.

Make 6 hearts out of parchment paper: Cut 6 sheets of paper 18 inches square and fold them in half. Cut out the shape of a heart half in each, and open up to hearts measuring 18 inches across the widest part and 13 inches from the top "V" to the bottom point. Set aside.

Melt 6 tablespoons of the butter in an 8-inch skillet over high heat. When the butter sizzles, add the flour and 1 teaspoon of the Seasoning Mix and cook, whisking constantly with a wire whisk, until thick and thoroughly blended into a roux, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat.

Place the bacon in a 12-inch skillet over high heat and cook until lightly browned, about 6 to 7 minutes. Stir in the ham and cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon and ham are well browned, about 4 minutes. Remove the bacon and ham with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Pour off all but 3 tablespoons of the fat and return the skillet to high heat. Add the onions, bell peppers, celery and 1 tablespoon of the Seasoning Mix. Scrape the bottom of the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are lightly browned, about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the mushrooms and 1 tablespoon of the Seasoning Mix and cook, stirring occasionally, 2 minutes. Add the seafood stock and cook, stirring occasionally, about 4 minutes. Add the heavy cream, bring to a rolling boil, and cook, stirring occasionally, about 2 minutes. Then cook, whisking constantly, 1 minute. Add the reserved bacon and ham and the butter/flour roux and cook, whisking, about 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and simmer 1 minute. Remove from the heat and stir in the crabmeat, shrimp, and 1 tablespoon plus 1½ teaspoons of the Seasoning Mix. Pour this stuffing mixture into a shallow pan and refrigerate until cold.

Preheat the oven to 450ºF. Melt the remaining butter in a small pan. Remove from the heat.

Brush each paper heart with some of the melted butter and place a fish fillet on one half of each heart. Brush the fish with butter and sprinkle each fillet with ½ teaspoon of the Seasoning Mix. Spoon 1 cup of the stuffing over each fillet. Fold over the hearts, twist the edges to seal tightly and completely, and brush the outside of each package with the melted butter. Place on a baking sheet and bake until the paper is puffed and lightly browned, about 15 minutes.

Use scissors to cut a large "X" in the top of the parchment hearts, fold back the paper, and serve immediately.